Thread: travelling to SF

Hi

I've finally found the courage. A dance friend and I are traveling to SF 1st to 8th April. It is primarily a dance week, although we hope to have some time for sightseeing, and she wants to look at Unis.
We would be very grateful for any advice - who to study with and who welcomes out of towners. Where to go to see good dancing, good music and any shows or special events happening that week. Any any general tips for where to stay, what to see, shops....
All replies gratefully received on or off group - love Sara
www.letsbellydance.co.uk

oops looks like I have re-invented myself again ! - if only my wrinkles would disappear everytime I cleaned my cookies !

Don't bother going to Fisherman's Wharf. Bring a sweatshirt. (that's the general advice)

What style are you most interested in? Are you looking to drop in to group classes, or take private lessons?

I very highly recommend taking classes at the Suhaila Salimpour School of Dance in El Cerrito, which is about 30 - 45 min. or so outside of SF. You can find more info at www.suhaila.com

Originally posted by antimony

Don't bother going to Fisherman's Wharf. Bring a sweatshirt. (that's the general advice)

What style are you most interested in? Are you looking to drop in to group classes, or take private lessons?

all styles I'm afraid. I do a bit of everything. I'd like to do lots of drop in classes and a few privates. My travel companion is much more into Tribal Fusion, so I guess we will do some of that together. I'd love to see Tempest dance and am hopeful that FC and UG will work out for drop in session. I'd also like to see Ansuya again, and wish I could stay for 6 months and do her intensive ! I've done a bit of surfing, but that only ever gives half the story.

I'm curious as to why it would require courage to visit San Francisco - does it have a bad reputation or something?

It's one of the safest cities in the US - but be nice, Judy, for some people flying half way around the world is a little daunting.

I would suggest trying some classes with Jill Parker if she is in town. And I have to put in a plug for my very first teacher, Monica - she teaches Egyptian style, and she has a really great feeling for music and how to really fit your dancing into the music. I don't know how advanced of group classes she teaches, but if you're at all interested in working on your musicality as a dancer, she'd be a great person to book a private lesson with.

I would second the recommendation of Monica. She's a lovely dancer and a fun teacher. She has beginner and intermediate classes on Mondays.

Fat Chance is also located in SF and has several classes per week. www.fcbd.com

Originally posted by antimony

It's one of the safest cities in the US - but be nice, Judy, for some people flying half way around the world is a little daunting.

I know Sara's been to NY so I was wondering why San Francisco was scarier. I'm sure most cities in the States are safer than London...

I don't think I have anything performance-wise lined up then, but private/semi-private lessons are always a possibility....of course, I'm going to be crossing the pond for Gothla UK in June, so there's always having Tempest in the comfort of your own country ;))

Originally posted by SaraShrapnell

quote:Originally posted by antimony

Don't bother going to Fisherman's Wharf. Bring a sweatshirt. (that's the general advice)

What style are you most interested in? Are you looking to drop in to group classes, or take private lessons?



all styles I'm afraid. I do a bit of everything. I'd like to do lots of drop in classes and a few privates. My travel companion is much more into Tribal Fusion, so I guess we will do some of that together. I'd love to see Tempest dance and am hopeful that FC and UG will work out for drop in session. I'd also like to see Ansuya again, and wish I could stay for 6 months and do her intensive ! I've done a bit of surfing, but that only ever gives half the story.

oops, that was me, not tcdance or _____ ;) forgot I wasn't signed in on this comp...obviously I need to go drink more tea...

Originally posted by judyhuxtable

I know Sara's been to NY so I was wondering why San Francisco was scarier. I'm sure most cities in the States are safer than London...

Having seen the video of that mid-50s history professor being pummelled by 5 cops in Atlanta for "jaywalking", aka crossing the road, I'd have to say I ain't going anywhere near Georgia (georgians breath sighs of relief). I'd be bound to forget and walk out when nothing's coming and get shot for "resisting" arrest.

Originally posted by judyhuxtable

quote:Originally posted by antimony

It's one of the safest cities in the US - but be nice, Judy, for some people flying half way around the world is a little daunting.

I know Sara's been to NY so I was wondering why San Francisco was scarier. I'm sure most cities in the States are safer than London...

i guess in NY Morocco had all my time filled for me while this trip I will have to plan myself. Oh and I have to leave the babies (15/14 and 9), which I know is a scary thing to do -

My recommendation would be Amina Goodyear http://www.aswandancers.org/classes.htm who has classes 4 days a week. She teaches mostly Egyptian style both raqs sharqi and folklore. She emphsizes the relationship of music and dance.

If you want places to go see Dancers.... there is Marrakech in downtown SF.. they have live music Fridays and Saturdays... you also have Pasha's .. on Broadway Ave.. also live music on Fri. and Sat.... then you have other places where they dance tribal/fusion... I do egyptian style so I dont know about the places where they do tribal/fusion.... another place is Pena Pachamama on Powell St. (North Beach district)... dancer's showcase every Sunday to live music by Georges Lammam Ensamble.... that's good because you get to see about 4 dancers on one night... then you have other places in the south bay (Not San Francisco... places like Sinbad's in San Mateo (20 south of San Fran)... so there are different places to choose from... hope you have a wonderful time... and feel free to drop me a line if you need anything .... I also take classes with Amina Goodyear.. I would recommend her thursday class... its a performance class... so after dancing to some songs with similar theme... she chooses a song and we all get to perform solo for each other.. and she gives us pointers on what we could improve... so its a nice class with a friendly atmosphere.... Hope this helps... see you in San Francisco

Rasha

Originally posted by *Rasha*

If you want places to go see Dancers.... there is Marrakech in downtown SF.. they have live music Fridays and Saturdays... you also have Pasha's .. on Broadway Ave.. also live music on Fri. and Sat.... then you have other places where they dance tribal/fusion... I do egyptian style so I dont know about the places where they do tribal/fusion.... another place is Pena Pachamama on Powell St. (North Beach district)... dancer's showcase every Sunday to live music by Georges Lammam Ensamble.... that's good because you get to see about 4 dancers on one night... then you have other places in the south bay (Not San Francisco... places like Sinbad's in San Mateo (20 south of San Fran)... so there are different places to choose from... hope you have a wonderful time... and feel free to drop me a line if you need anything .... I also take classes with Amina Goodyear.. I would recommend her thursday class... its a performance class... so after dancing to some songs with similar theme... she chooses a song and we all get to perform solo for each other.. and she gives us pointers on what we could improve... so its a nice class with a friendly atmosphere.... Hope this helps... see you in San Francisco

Rasha

Oh wow Rasha - thank you for all this. We have FC and Amina pencilled in. - its great to hear the format of the class and feel a little prepared. We were struggling to find out about the live dancing, so that has helped no end. I'll be in touch nearer the time.
Sara - x
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Hi Sara,

I'm not up on which places in the city have dancing, since I don't perform at restaurants in the city.

One caveat about Marrakech is that sometimes they keep random hours. I have gone there at 9:30 on a saturday and found it closed. Other times they might be open to 2am. Actually I just thought of another caveat which is that it's on the edge of (but noit quite *in*) a pretty scruffy neighborhood, and it sounds like you were nervous about that. Marrakech is really a lot of fun on a good night though, so I would encourage you to give it a chance.

If you're planning to venture across the bay at any point I can give you some leads.

FOr teachers, it seems that 99% of people who come to the area drop in to Suhaila's (east bay), and most people seem to like it a lot. She is a 5-minute walk from the railway. If you decide to do that, let me know and my house is right nearby - maybe we could meet up for coffee!

I also hear really good things about Frederique (east bay) as a teacher, although I don't know her personally. People who are into the fusion also speak well of Jill Parker/Ultra Gypsy (east bay). Luna is probably teaching somewhere in the east bay. If you are into props, she teaches and sells fire-sword, which might be a new thing back home. I've heard REALLY good things about Unmata (sacramento), but that would be about a 2-hour drive from SF. I'm not sure where FatChance is teaching now. I think they are just in the city of SF, having scaled back the amount of locations offered.

If you are looking for folk dance, there is a large population of Persians in the area, and a few Iranian teachers. Sharzad, Niosha, Sharlyn, and a woman whose name I forget but everyone raves about. Lots of Indians too, although if you are coming from England big deal.

Thank you so much for all the helpful hints and class suggestions. I think we have our schedule worked out, so i thought I would share it to see if anyone will be in the same sessions - we will be the pale ones with the funny accents.
Monday - Shabnam
Tues am - Suhaila
Tues pm - Amina
Wed - Ultra Gypsy
Thur - Rose Harden of Ultra Gypsy
Fri - FCBD
Saturday we are going to see Leyla perform (thank you !!)
Everyone has been very helpful and welcoming, so now all I have to do is pack....

I hope you and laura have a great time, I want to hear all about it when you get back :)

Ansuya is teaching April 8.

Originally posted by dancingrrrlz

Ansuya is teaching April 8.

:( - I know, but we fly back that lunchtime - we should have taken an extra day.

Hi - just to let you know we are back and had a fantastic time. We saw Rasha and Rose dance - both were wonderfully welcoming and beautiful dancers - thank you everyone for all your help setting up our trip. If you are interested in reading all about it I posted a blog - its a bit rushed as I had to do most of it in Kinkos. www.letsbellydance.co.uk
- SO now I need suggestions for next year. Where else can I go and take lessons every day and see live music and great dancers ?

Hi, Sara! it was great meeting you. I'm glad that you had a great visit to San Francisco!